San Dimas is charging ahead with plans to turn a former biotechnology facility into a Rivian showroom and service center.

The electric vehicle maker plans to occupy an approximately 51,000-square-foot building formerly used by Gilead Sciences at 501 W. Covina Blvd. City officials expect 30 to 50 jobs and additional sales tax revenue, though no revenue estimate or opening timeline has been announced. With land-use approvals secured, Rivian has submitted construction plans for improvements to the existing building, according to Luis Torrico, the City’s community development director. Building permits are still required, and no construction or opening timeline has been announced.

The City Council voted unanimously Sept. 8 to introduce an amendment to Specific Plan 6, the zoning regulations governing the property, to allow vehicle sales and related operations. The council adopted the ordinance Sept. 22 through its consent calendar, a group of items approved together in a single vote.

Torrico said the Sept. 8 approvals also included a conditional use permit allowing Rivian’s operations and outdoor vehicle storage.

The zoning change extends beyond the Rivian property. It allows similar businesses to seek conditional use permits in Areas 1, 3, and 4 of Specific Plan 6, expanding the types of commercial operations that may be considered in those areas. Each proposed use would remain subject to city review and approval.

Torrico said Rivian plans to operate a retail showroom and service center for its electric vehicles. All vehicle service bays and parts storage will be located indoors, while outdoor space will accommodate vehicle inventory and service logistics.

“The proposed use will create approximately 30-50 high-quality jobs and is anticipated to generate additional sales tax revenue for the City,” Torrico said.

However, Torrico said Rivian was unable to provide an estimate of how much sales tax revenue the location would generate.

Rivian’s plans include 232 spaces, with 168 designated for outdoor vehicle storage. According to Torrico, the facility could include 21 proposed charging stations for vehicles being serviced. The chargers would not be available for public use.

City officials anticipate minimal traffic impacts because vehicle service and deliveries would be by appointment only, Torrico said.

“The project was analyzed to ensure there were no impacts to the surrounding area and area in general,” he said. “Traffic will be minimal as Rivian’s operational modes for service and delivery is strictly by appointment only.”

City staff could also revisit the conditional use permit if concerns arise.

No additional land-use approvals are required, he said. Rivian must obtain the applicable building permits before construction can proceed.

La Verne Daily News contacted Rivian multiple times but did not receive a response before publication. San Dimas Mayor Emmett Badar also did not respond to requests for comment.